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Skype is the most popular video calling application on Android handsets and tablets with more than 90 million downloads. As more and more Android devices enter the market, we want to ensure that every Skype user gets the best video-calling experience possible.

To achieve this high level of quality across all devices, Skype has created a self-service program that allows handset manufacturers to test the performance of Skype for Android and optimize the quality of the user experience on their devices. This program provides test tools, documentation and test cases for whitelisting a device, as well as a reporting tool for submitting test results and requesting whitelisting. Once the OEM has tested the Skype experience, the Skype team adds the device to the list of officially supported devices.

The test tools allow manufacturers to validate multiple aspects of the Skype experience on their devices, including switching between front and back cameras and rotating the selected camera 90 degrees. While these features may seem trivial, each is important in maintaining a consistent experience across handsets for the Skype user.

This program has delivered pleasing results by streamlining the whitelisting process considerably. Fifteen of the major handset manufacturers have already used the test on their devices and Skype has been able to turn around whitelist requests in one-to-two days.

Vu Phan from Toshiba America Information Systems shared with us that “the Skype Test Tool has helped us whitelist six Android tablet devices. The tool is very easy to use, the test cases are simple with easy to follow instructions and the whitelisting process is well supported by the Skype team.” Toshiba tested Skype for Android on the AT100, AT150, AT200, AT270, AT300 and AT330 tablets and each is currently an officially supported device.

Not only is this a win for Skype’s hardware manufacturers, but by delivering a consistent Skype user experience across more handsets and tablets, it’s a win for Skype users as well.